Question

Give Nitroprusside 5 mcg/kg/minute via continuous infusion for a patient weighing 205 lbs. Nitroprusside is available in a solution of 200 mg in 250 mL D5W. What rate on the infusion pump will deliver the correct dose?

Answer 1

35 ml/hr

Explanation:

Convert lbs to kg

205 ÷ 2.2 = 93.18 = 93.2 kg

Calculate the minute rate

93.2 kg x 5 mcg/kg/min = 466 mcg/min

Calculate hourly rate

466 mcg/min x 60 mins/hr = 27,960 mcg/hr

Drug is expressed in mg, so convert mcg to mg

27,960 mcg = 27.96 mg